Newfoundland and Labrador introduce new immigration pathway

On November 18, Newfoundland and Labrador’s provincial government announced a new immigration pathway that will look to retain newcomers who are already in the province.

The new immigration pathway, Priority Skills Newfoundland and Labrador, under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), will focus on highly educated and highly skilled candidates with work experience in specialized industries such as technology. The program is expected to launch on January 2, 2021.

This move will look to address the province’s labour shortages in certain high-growth sectors. The new pathway comes as a response to employers' growing demand for skilled and experienced workers, the province says in a media release.

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Who is eligible for the Priority Skills pathway?

Masters or PhD graduates of Memorial University who graduated within the last three years with a degree related to information and communication technology, ocean technology, healthcare, agriculture and aquaculture.

In addition, professionals with work experience in the following highly skilled high-demand occupations will be considered:

Software Developer
Biomedical Engineer
UI/UX Developer
Electrical Engineer
AI Developer
Mechanical Engineer
Python Developer
.NET Developer
Infrastructure Engineer
Security Specialist
Cloud Specialist
Bioinformatician
Computer Network Support

Individuals are also required to demonstrate their language proficiency in English by taking one of the following language tests and scoring equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 or more.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS),
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP).

Other ways to immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador

The NLPNP is divided into five categories: Express Entry Skilled Worker category, Skilled Worker category, International Graduate category, International Entrepreneur category and the International Graduate Entrepreneur category.

The Express Entry Skilled Worker category allows the province to nominate skilled workers through Canada’s federal Express Entry system. Nominated individuals need to have job offers in the province.

The Skilled Worker category targets individuals who have received a job offer from an employer in the province. This category also targets those who are already working in the province on a valid work permit.

The International Graduate category is for recent graduates who are holders of the Post-Graduate Work Permit. They must have a job or a job offer in the province.

The International Entrepreneur category is for those who wish to settle in the province and start or purchase a business. Candidates are required to operate their business for one year in the province prior to applying.

The International Graduate Entrepreneur categoryprovides a pathway to permanent residence for international graduates who wish to start or run a business within the province.

In addition to these five categories, individuals who wish to reside in Newfoundland and Labrador also have the option of applying through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. To qualify, candidates must also have a job offer in the province.

About Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador is Canada’s easternmost province with two separate land masses: Labrador is connected to mainland Canada, and Newfoundland is an island.

The province has a growing economy, due to its energy and resources boom. Significant industries in the province include financial services, healthcare, mining, fishing, oil production and manufacturing.

Most of the population live in the provincial capital of St. John’s, one of the oldest cities in North America that boasts a rich history. The city also has an interesting architectural landscape, with buildings that have a very distinct look from other cities in Canada.

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